Rochester in Olmsted County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Calvary Episcopal Church
Rochester's Oldest Church Building
March 29, 2020
1. Calvary Episcopal Church Marker
Built in 1862, during the Civil War, eight years after the founding of Rochester (1854), the primitive "chapel" measured only 27 by 55 feet. It was built on the original plat of bricks made in Rochester. Two lots were given by George Head, the founder of Rochester. Bishop H.B. Whipple, Minnesota's first Episcopal bishop, called by his Indian friends "Straight Tongue" consecrated the church on January 28, 1866.
In June 1868 the church was extended 22 1/2 feet and the sanctuary was also extended 16 feet to the north thereby increasing the seating capacity. The "chapel" became Calvary Church.
In 1894 a new entrance was provided at the east side and a window installed where the first entrance previously opened onto the street. From 1904 to 1907 the Tudor arches with birch ceiling and the stained glass windows added to the old world charm of its interior. In 1949 a memorial lych-gate was built to adjoin the entrance.
Among the beautiful old stained glass windows are several made by Tiffany of New York. The original Guild Hall, built in 1891 adjoining the church was replaced in 1917 by the present Brackenridge Memorial Hall.
Erected 1966 by Olmsted County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
this page online
Location. 44° 1.304′ N, 92° 28.077′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Minnesota, in Olmsted County. It is at the intersection of 2nd Street SW and 4th Avenue SW, on the right when traveling west on 2nd Street SW. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 2nd Street SW, Rochester MN 55901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rochester Public Library Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Plummer Building (about 600 feet away); The Chateau Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away); Conley Maass Downs Building (approx. Ό mile away); Donald Church Balfour House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Central Park Plaza (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dr. William J. Mayo House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Rochester Armory Building (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 29, 2020
2. Calvary Episcopal Church and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2020, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 924 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 29, 2020, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
